SPOTLIGHT ON...PIPES
by Amanda Rigney
Located between Swami's and Cardiff Reef lies Pipes, a stretch of sleepy peaks at the base of the San Elijo Campgrounds in Cardiff, CA.

Normally offering soft rights and slightly speedier lefts best suited to a long-board or fun-board, when the swell gets head high and up Pipes comes alive, serving up quick sections and the rare low tide barrel sure to please even the most dedicated short-boarder.
Surf-stoked campers and easy surf checks from the highway add up to crowds, especially on weekends, holidays and in the summer months.

However, Pipes has maintained a laid back vibe and the locals are used to seeing new faces in the lineup thanks to the campgrounds.

Give respect to get respect is the best motto here and if you mind your etiquette you're sure to get a wave to yourself even on the most crowded days.
The bottom at Pipes is a mix of sand and rock reef covered in eel grass that can get extremely slippery at low tide. Most entries and exits will be on sand except for during extreme low tides and in the springtime when much of the sand has been swept away by winter storms, leaving craggy fingers of exposed reef. Cave-ins are rare but not unheard of along this stretch of fragile cliff, so be sure not to sit too near any precarious areas and ask a park ranger if you're unsure.

Offshore kelp beds are responsible for keeping Pipes glassy longer than most spots in the area and are also a favorite spot of the local lobster fishermen.

Colorful buoys dot the kelp beds, sometimes getting pushed into the surf line by larger swells and storms. Be cautious around any buoys that have made their way into the surf--traps can be damaged and will catch your leash. The kelp forest is also a favorite haunt of dolphins so don't be surprised if a playful dolphin tries to share a wave with you.

Parking is free along the Coast Highway and there is a Day Use pay lot with its own entrance at the north end of the site. Several sets of stairs and a ramp lead down the cliff to the beach providing for easy access, and bathrooms and showers are scattered throughout the campgrounds. If you decide to camp overnight, spaces start at about $25, and restaurants and a grocery store are all within walking distance.